Aim: To foster understanding between the people of Uruguay and the people of the United States and to contribute to the enrichment of elementary education in Uruguay through an exchange experience with a similar school of the United States.

For: Inspectors, Principals, Teachers, and Teachers of English of Public Elementary Schools (ANEP)

Benefits:

• Carry out an exchange program that consists in shadowing the work of a US elementary school administrator
• Orientation program in Uruguay and in the United States
• Local and international transportation, lodging with an American family, cultural activities

Requirements:

• Commitment to public excellence
• Desire to learn about other educational systems
• Create an active link between the participants school and the host school in the US
• Inspectors must provide one institutional letter of support; the rest of the candidates must provide 2 letters of recommendation

Selection process and program dates: These will be determined each year, according to the availability of funds.

Call for applicants for the Teacher Exchange Program (2006-2007): Deadline for applications: August Interviews: September Candidate selection: October Exchange trip: 3 weeks in February following year

 

"I though I would find only blond, blue-eyed people and instead I found an amazing diversity and an integration of cultures. I was amazed by the number of Oriental immigrants. The people are courteous and friendly, and show respect, education, seriousness and they are punctual. Every day we could see the strength of the co-existing religions. Influences are so integrated that even tango is danced."
Eva Perdomo, School Number 87 Melo, Cerro Largo; Mt. Vernon Community School, Alexandria, Virginia.

"In my case, working in a school with children from a different continent changed certain ways of thinking which were ingrained in me.... With the agreement of both principals and teachers from our schools, we began a project called "Through more efficient communications we can get to know each other better". The most ambitious part of it is the creation of a web site for our school, which would be very beneficial to the project."
Jorge Buck, School Number 59 Young, Río Negro; Cairo Elementary School, Oregon.

"The teachers have the assistants needed to teach the children efficiently and to follow their individual progress. A strategic plan is prepared at the beginning of the year with parent activities that include volunteer work in the Language or the Math Club, giving extra support to the students who need it. In Pasco County they have an annual reading activity, and an famous person, for example from sports is invited to give diplomas to the children who showed improvement in that field. There is a reading assistant for every four children who have difficulties in that subject."
Sonia Nunez, School Number 56, Maldonado; Northwest Elementary School, Pasco County, Florida.